Rennes managed to hold on to an early lead to take all three points away at Sochaux tonight.

It was a dream start for the visitors when, after just seven minutes, Mevlut Erding headed home a cross from Kevin Theophile Catherine.

Sebastien Roudet was looking lively for Sochaux and he had a shot well saved after 21 minutes.

The match started to get somewhat scrappy before Thierry Doubai struck wide of the goal in the 25th minute, and neither side could trouble the scorers again until half-time.

Sochaux continued to press after the break and Sebastien Corchia went close, but shot just off target after 51 minutes.

Cedric Kante then met a deep cross in the 71st minute but once more the effort was wide of the goal as time started running out for the hosts.